When people say Screen Time is not working, they usually mean one of two things. Either the feature is technically misconfigured, or it works exactly as designed but still leaves too much control on the phone.
Those are different problems. The first one needs troubleshooting. The second one needs a stronger architecture.
First Check the Configuration
Make sure App & Website Activity is turned on, the app or website is actually included in the limit, Block at End of Limit is enabled where available, and the Screen Time passcode is not known by the restricted user.
For web restrictions, check Content & Privacy Restrictions and test the same site in Safari, Chrome, search results, and in-app browsers.
- Confirm the device is on the expected Apple Account.
- Check Always Allowed apps.
- Delete and recreate broken app limits.
- Restart the device after changing restrictions.
- Test private browsing and alternate browsers.
Then Check the Human Bypass
If the person can tap for more time, change settings, remove an app, approve themselves, or find the same content through a different route, Screen Time is not failing technically. It is just not strict enough for the job.
That is common for adults trying to restrict themselves. The phone is both the temptation and the control panel.
Need the block to hold?
SHIFT moves control off the phone, so the same device that creates the temptation cannot casually undo the restriction.
Get SHIFTUse SHIFT When You Need No Phone-Side Control
SHIFT removes the central weakness by putting control on the desktop instead of the phone. The blocked phone can remain useful, but the user cannot casually undo the state from the same device.
If Screen Time is enough, keep it. If Screen Time becomes something you negotiate with every night, use a system that does not negotiate on the phone.
FAQ
Why can I still open blocked apps with Screen Time?
The limit may be configured incorrectly, the app may be Always Allowed, the limit may not include that app, or Screen Time may be relying on an override flow the user can approve.
Is Screen Time bad?
No. Screen Time is a useful baseline. It is just not designed as a strict self-control system for someone actively trying to bypass their own limits.
What should I use instead?
Use a blocker where the restricted phone does not contain the unlock controls. SHIFT is built around that model.